Fatal Incident Caused by Lack of Employee Training & Supervision

WorkSafe reminds businesses that no staff members should operate machinery such as cranes, without direct supervision and appropriate training. This warning comes after a fatal incident where an employee was crushed by a pack lifter crane implement which was attached to a 2.5 tonne pack of glass.

The overhead gantry crane was controlled by a handheld remote control, and the employee had climbed the pack lifter to hook the crane onto it.

After the workplace was investigated, WorkSafe found that the victim, who was training to use the crane, used it many times without supervision, including at the time of the accident.

The business had an inadequate health and safety system with minimal risk identification and management processes in place. The WorkSafe investigation manager explained that the situation could have been completely avoided if the correct training and supervision were present.

WorkSafe urges businesses and employees to remember that unsafe use of cranes and other equipment presents significant risk to the workplace and cause fatal incidents.

For more information, contact Safe Industries Australia.